Fed Expected to Adjourn Today With No Change in Rates; Eyes Turn to September

WASHINGTON–The Federal Reserve’s Open Market Committee (FOMC) is expected to adjourn its two-day meeting today by again not taking any action to reduce rates, although analysts believe such a move is getting clearer.

This week’s meetings mark the one-year anniversary of the Fed’s most recent interest rate hike, which pushed rates to their highest point in 23 years after a series of steady increases aimed at taming inflation.

The unlikelihood of any rate reduction at the July meetings has been signaled by Chairman Jay Powell, who has on numerous occasions said he wants to see additional evidence inflation has moved closer to the Fed’s target rate of 2%.

In addition, the Fed also wants to see a reduction in the rate of job growth, which has remained strong in 2024.

All Eyes on September

Analysts, including those inside credit unions, have said they believe the Fed could next reduce rates when it meets in September should trends around the growth of the rate of inflation continue.

"The case to cut is already strong, and the Fed will likely use the July meeting to plant a seed that a cut in September is on the table," Ryan Sweet, chief U.S. economist at Oxford Economics, forecast in a research report cited by CBS News.

The View From Futures Market

While many expect just one rate reduction this year, CBS News noted the futures markets have priced in a 64% likelihood that the Fed will cut rates three times this year — in September, November and December.

The federal funds rate is currently at a range of 5.25% to 5.5%.

Comments

Mortgage Rates See Biggest Decline in a Year; Applications Rise

WASHINGTON–Mortgage rates saw the biggest one-week drop in over a year last week, causing the first increase in mortgage demand in a month, according to new data. Total mortgage application volume rose 2.5% last week, compared with the previous week, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association's seasonally adjusted index. The average contract interest rate for 30-year fixed-rate mortgages with conforming loan balances ($726,200 or less) decreased to 7.61% from 7.86%, with points falling to 0.69 from 0.73 (including the origination fee) for loans with a 20% down payment. The Rate Driver "Last week's decrease in rates was driven by the U.S. Treasury's issuance update, the Fed striking a dovish tone in the November FOMC statemen

Read Complete Article HERE>»

Growing Delinquencies, Especially in Auto Loans, Can be Seen in New CUNA Report

MADISON, Wis.–Ongoing increases in delinquencies, especially in automobile loans, can be seen in the new CUNA Economic Update . According to CUNA Chief Economist Mike Schenk, the report shows: Mortgage delinquencies. With data obtained by Equifax, CUNA economists said they have found “slight upward movements” in mortgage delinquency rates. Credit card delinquencies. Bigger increases in delinquency rates relative to the cyclical low – as seen during the COVID-19 pandemic – is concerning, said Schenk. Auto loan delinquencies: Data shows a “dramatic” increase in delinquency rates among institutions such as auto financing companies. CUNA Forecast CUNA’s economists are forecasting delinquency rates will peak at 1% by the end of 2024.

Read Complete Article HERE>»

Speakers & Sessions For NCOFCU 24 San Antonio TX.

National Council of Firefighter Credit Unions Inc (NCOFCU) Speakers and Schedule! It is the National Council of Firefighter Credit Unions (NCOFCU) "GO TO Conference" for credit unions serving first responders! Who should attend? CEO's, VP's Directors and Staff See What's Planned Register Here! Bring your spouse, bring a guest to enjoy San Antonio, TX River Walk 4 Days Golf 16 + Sessions Alamo Reception Closing Dinner Right on the San Antonio River Walk Several Networking events Open Forums Idea Exchange Events Panel Discussions of CU Leaders National & Industry Speakers Trends in First-Responder Credit Unions Director & Volunteer Sessions Exhibitors ShowcaseAnd So Much More! HOTEL REGISTER HERE

Read Complete Article HERE>»

Firefighter Credit Union Newsroom

Search This Blog